Marcus Coker -
DeMatha vs Riverdale Baptist(Sat 9/05 - 2:00)
Andrew Donnal -
Anthony Wayne at Start (Fri 9/04 - 7:00)
Anthony Ferguson and Jim Poggi -
Gilman vs. Bear Creek (Fri 9/04 - 7:00)
Austin Gray -
Fitzgerald at Marysville (Fri 9/04 - 7:00)
Mike Hardy -
Kimberly at Appleton North (Fri 9/04 - 7:30)
Matt Hoch -
Harlan vs. Bishop Heelan (Fri 9/04 - 7:30)
Christian Kirksey and Don Shumpert -
Hazelwood East vs. De Smet Jesuit (Sat 9/05 - 1:00)
James Morris -
Solon at Sigourney-Keota (Fri 9/04 - 7:00)
Brandon Scherff -
Denison at Atlantic (Fri 9/04 - 7:30)
Louis Trinca-Pasat -
Lane Tech vs. Glenbrook North (Fri 9/04 - 7:30)
Austin Vier -
Ballard vs. ADM (Fri 9/04 - 7:30)
Archive page 114
UNI: The Special Teams
The last piece of the Panther puzzle is their special teams (here are the previews for the offense and the defense). If every thing goes according to plan, we'll see the UNI special teams on the field a lot; specifically the punt team and the kickoff return team.
Punter:
UNI will be sporting a true freshman at punter this year, Kyle Bernard. Bernard was actually primarily a quarterback in high school (watch for the fake punt!) but also handle the punting duties for Cedar Falls last year.
Place Kicker:
The Panthers have a good place kicker in Billy Halgren. In 2008, Hallgren accounted for 108 points going 19-28 on field goals and 51-53 on PATs. He also handled most of the kickoff duties and had 11 touchbacks.
Kick Returners:
The Panthers also have 2 veteran kick returners. Return specialist Jarred Herring averaged over 25 yards on kickoff returns with a long of 70. This year he will also be asked to do field punts. The other return man is Josh Collins. Collins averaged 22 yards per kickoff return last year.
Overall Outlook:
Bernard may be busy as the Hawkeye defense smothers the UNI offense. If he struggles to reverse the field position, Iowa should be able to take advantage of a short field all day. Kickoff returns may be one place that UNI can gain some momentum with Herring and Collins, but only if Murray can't boot it into the endzone.
Punter:
UNI will be sporting a true freshman at punter this year, Kyle Bernard. Bernard was actually primarily a quarterback in high school (watch for the fake punt!) but also handle the punting duties for Cedar Falls last year.
Place Kicker:
The Panthers have a good place kicker in Billy Halgren. In 2008, Hallgren accounted for 108 points going 19-28 on field goals and 51-53 on PATs. He also handled most of the kickoff duties and had 11 touchbacks.
Kick Returners:
The Panthers also have 2 veteran kick returners. Return specialist Jarred Herring averaged over 25 yards on kickoff returns with a long of 70. This year he will also be asked to do field punts. The other return man is Josh Collins. Collins averaged 22 yards per kickoff return last year.
Overall Outlook:
Bernard may be busy as the Hawkeye defense smothers the UNI offense. If he struggles to reverse the field position, Iowa should be able to take advantage of a short field all day. Kickoff returns may be one place that UNI can gain some momentum with Herring and Collins, but only if Murray can't boot it into the endzone.
UNI: The Defense
Unlike the extremely experienced offense, UNI's defense only returns 5 starters from a year ago and has 4 underclassmen atop the depth chart. The front seven does return some talent, but the defense is especially green in the secondary with no returning starters and 4 freshmen making up the 2-deeps at cornerback.
Against the Run:
The Panther defense should provide a good challenge for our inexperience running backs. In 2008 the team only gave up 106.8 rushing yards per game with a 3.2 average yards per carry (by comparison Iowa allowed 94 yards per game and 3.1 yards per carry…admittedly the competition was vastly different).
The defensive line features 3 seniors including tackles Chuck Kinney and Wes Lane. Both top the scale at 290 and are good against the run. The best player on the line though is DE James Ruffin who had a team high 18 tackles for loss last year and 10 sacks. Ruffin earned a spot on the FCS Preseason All-American Second Team and will be the first of many good defensive ends Iowa faces this year.
UNI's linebacker corp should also be solid. The two top tackles on the team, Josh Mahoney and Jamar Thompson, both return after 100+ tackle performances last year. The only loss at the position was De'Veon Harris, who had an outstanding 2008 (104 tackles, 9 pass break-ups, 3 interceptions…), but the loss may actually be a gain with Wisconsin transfer, and brother to the former Hawkeye Abdul Hodge, Elijah Hodge the new starter. Hodge is a FBS-caliber linebacker. He played in every game in 2006 at Wisconsin and in 2007 became a starter but was eventually slowed by a knee injury. After the injury he tumbled down the depth chart and decided to transfer, thus starting his career at UNI.
Against the Pass:
Sticking with the linebackers, in 2008 they were pretty good in coverage combining for 10 interceptions and 15 pass break-ups. However, they are a little undersized (average height: 6'2", weight: 223 lbs.) and could have a tough time covering Iowa's talented and big tight ends (Tony Moeaki is 6'4" 250 lbs.).
The secondary is where the Panthers will have their biggest problems. All 4 starters from a year ago are gone and there is little depth in the unit as a whole. There is zero experience at corner back. The 2 starting corners are redshirt freshmen, and the 2 backup corners are true freshmen. The group as a whole is supposedly more athletic than the McMoore twins, but playing their first game in Kinnick Stadium will be no easy task.
The safety positions are not much better. At free safety will be converted linebacker Quentin Scott. Scott had a modest year as a special teamer and backup linebacker in 2008 recording 20 tackles and 1 interceptions. He definitely showed improvement as the season went on though, netting only 2 tackles in the first half of the season and 18 in the second half. James Conley is listed as the starting strong safety. In his freshman year he saw very limited action, mostly on special teams, in 7 games and made 5 tackles.
Overall Outlook:
Iowa's offense should have little trouble moving the ball. UNI has enough experience and talent in the front 7 to slow the Hawkeye running game. However, Iowa's depth and superior athleticism in the trenches will eventually wear down UNI's defense and Iowa will get its running yards. I don't expect too many pass plays called by Ken O'Keefe, but when Ricky Stanzi does go air it out he should be able to pick the UNI defense apart.
Against the Run:
The Panther defense should provide a good challenge for our inexperience running backs. In 2008 the team only gave up 106.8 rushing yards per game with a 3.2 average yards per carry (by comparison Iowa allowed 94 yards per game and 3.1 yards per carry…admittedly the competition was vastly different).
The defensive line features 3 seniors including tackles Chuck Kinney and Wes Lane. Both top the scale at 290 and are good against the run. The best player on the line though is DE James Ruffin who had a team high 18 tackles for loss last year and 10 sacks. Ruffin earned a spot on the FCS Preseason All-American Second Team and will be the first of many good defensive ends Iowa faces this year.
UNI's linebacker corp should also be solid. The two top tackles on the team, Josh Mahoney and Jamar Thompson, both return after 100+ tackle performances last year. The only loss at the position was De'Veon Harris, who had an outstanding 2008 (104 tackles, 9 pass break-ups, 3 interceptions…), but the loss may actually be a gain with Wisconsin transfer, and brother to the former Hawkeye Abdul Hodge, Elijah Hodge the new starter. Hodge is a FBS-caliber linebacker. He played in every game in 2006 at Wisconsin and in 2007 became a starter but was eventually slowed by a knee injury. After the injury he tumbled down the depth chart and decided to transfer, thus starting his career at UNI.
Against the Pass:
Sticking with the linebackers, in 2008 they were pretty good in coverage combining for 10 interceptions and 15 pass break-ups. However, they are a little undersized (average height: 6'2", weight: 223 lbs.) and could have a tough time covering Iowa's talented and big tight ends (Tony Moeaki is 6'4" 250 lbs.).
The secondary is where the Panthers will have their biggest problems. All 4 starters from a year ago are gone and there is little depth in the unit as a whole. There is zero experience at corner back. The 2 starting corners are redshirt freshmen, and the 2 backup corners are true freshmen. The group as a whole is supposedly more athletic than the McMoore twins, but playing their first game in Kinnick Stadium will be no easy task.
The safety positions are not much better. At free safety will be converted linebacker Quentin Scott. Scott had a modest year as a special teamer and backup linebacker in 2008 recording 20 tackles and 1 interceptions. He definitely showed improvement as the season went on though, netting only 2 tackles in the first half of the season and 18 in the second half. James Conley is listed as the starting strong safety. In his freshman year he saw very limited action, mostly on special teams, in 7 games and made 5 tackles.
Overall Outlook:
Iowa's offense should have little trouble moving the ball. UNI has enough experience and talent in the front 7 to slow the Hawkeye running game. However, Iowa's depth and superior athleticism in the trenches will eventually wear down UNI's defense and Iowa will get its running yards. I don't expect too many pass plays called by Ken O'Keefe, but when Ricky Stanzi does go air it out he should be able to pick the UNI defense apart.
Big Ten Schedule: Week 1
Big Ten Football is here! The first game of the 2009 season kicks off tonight with Indiana facing Eastern Kentucky and the rest of the Big Ten places on Saturday. Here's a really quick look at all the upcoming games for week 1 along with my predictions:
Indiana vs. Eastern Kentucky- 6:00 PM Thursday: BTN
Indiana kicks off the Big Ten season hosting the Hilltoppers of Eastern Kentucky. While I would normally not watch such a game (Indiana finished last in the Big Ten last year, and Eastern Kentucky, while they won their conference is still a FCS opponent), I may check it out for 2 reasons: 1. I'm dying to see some live college football and 2. I'm kind of curious about the Hoosier new fandagled Pistol offense.
Prediction: Indiana tops the Hilltoppers
Iowa vs. Northern Iowa - 11:05 AM: BTN
I'm sure you've read enough about this game already as I've been writing about it all week…so I'll just say GO HAWKS!
Prediction: Hawkeyes win with relative ease
Michigan State vs. Montana State - 11:00 AM: BTN
Ah, the great MSU vs MSU battle. Actually MSU2 will more than likely not be a great game. The FCS Bobcats should be no match for the Spartans.
Prediction: Michigan State wins big
Northwestern vs. Towson - 11:00 AM: BTN
Another FCS opponent for the Big Ten, but it's the last one thankfully. The Towson Tigers were not very good last year, and I don't expect they will challenge Northwestern this year.
Prediction: Northwestern wins big
Ohio State vs. Navy - 11:00 AM: ESPN
Navy should be a decent team in 2009 with a good rushing attack. However, OSU should be able to shut them down
Prediction: The Buckeyes win comfortably
Penn State vs. Akron - 11:00 AM: BTN
In 2008, Penn State averaged 52.75 points per game in their out of conference games. Expect more of the same this year. Akron is first up on the chopping block.
Prediction: The Nittany Lions continue their streak of blow out non-conference games
Purdue vs. Toledo - 11:00 AM: BTN
Neither of these teams were very good in 2008 (though both teams beat Michigan…) and probably won't be very good in 2009 either. Though Purdue basically returns nobody on offense this year (only 4 starters) and has a new head coach, I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt.
Prediction: Purdue squeaks by with a win
Minnesota at Syracuse - 11:00 AM: ESPN2
The only away game for the Big Ten in Week 1, Minnesota will be the first of 3 Big Ten teams to take on Syracuse this year. The Gophers will be sporting a new offense, while the Orange will be sporting a former Duke point guard at quarterback. I'm sure people will watch this game just to see Greg Paulus, but I think it's more likely that the Gopher's QB will be the one putting on a show
Prediction: Minnesota wins by a couple scores
Michigan vs. Western Michigan - 2:30 PM: ABC
I don't think it's possible for Michigan to be worse than they were last year, so this is a chance to see how much they improved. Western Michigan is a decent MAC opponent, so it should be a good match up.
Prediction: Michigan pulls away late for the win
Illinois vs. Missouri - 2:40 PM: ESPN
This game is probably the most respectable match up of the day for the Big Ten. That said, Missouri will be down this year after loosing a lot of talent on offense and on the complete other end of the spectrum, Illinois returns a hoard of offensive skill players and should be able to put up points on the Tiger's defense.
Prediction: Illinois wins in a high scoring affair
Wisconsin vs. Northern Illinois - 6:00 PM: BTN
Last but not least...Wisconsin is kind of a middle of the road Big Ten team and Northern Illinois is kind of a middle of the road MAC team. One is obviously better than the other. Wisconsin does need to settle on a quarterback and watch out for the Husker's talented QB (1528 pass yards and 539 rushing).
Prediction: Wisconsin takes care of business at home
*Note: all times are listed in CST and the games on are Saturday, unless otherwise noted.
Indiana vs. Eastern Kentucky- 6:00 PM Thursday: BTN
Indiana kicks off the Big Ten season hosting the Hilltoppers of Eastern Kentucky. While I would normally not watch such a game (Indiana finished last in the Big Ten last year, and Eastern Kentucky, while they won their conference is still a FCS opponent), I may check it out for 2 reasons: 1. I'm dying to see some live college football and 2. I'm kind of curious about the Hoosier new fandagled Pistol offense.
Prediction: Indiana tops the Hilltoppers
Iowa vs. Northern Iowa - 11:05 AM: BTN
I'm sure you've read enough about this game already as I've been writing about it all week…so I'll just say GO HAWKS!
Prediction: Hawkeyes win with relative ease
Michigan State vs. Montana State - 11:00 AM: BTN
Ah, the great MSU vs MSU battle. Actually MSU2 will more than likely not be a great game. The FCS Bobcats should be no match for the Spartans.
Prediction: Michigan State wins big
Northwestern vs. Towson - 11:00 AM: BTN
Another FCS opponent for the Big Ten, but it's the last one thankfully. The Towson Tigers were not very good last year, and I don't expect they will challenge Northwestern this year.
Prediction: Northwestern wins big
Ohio State vs. Navy - 11:00 AM: ESPN
Navy should be a decent team in 2009 with a good rushing attack. However, OSU should be able to shut them down
Prediction: The Buckeyes win comfortably
Penn State vs. Akron - 11:00 AM: BTN
In 2008, Penn State averaged 52.75 points per game in their out of conference games. Expect more of the same this year. Akron is first up on the chopping block.
Prediction: The Nittany Lions continue their streak of blow out non-conference games
Purdue vs. Toledo - 11:00 AM: BTN
Neither of these teams were very good in 2008 (though both teams beat Michigan…) and probably won't be very good in 2009 either. Though Purdue basically returns nobody on offense this year (only 4 starters) and has a new head coach, I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt.
Prediction: Purdue squeaks by with a win
Minnesota at Syracuse - 11:00 AM: ESPN2
The only away game for the Big Ten in Week 1, Minnesota will be the first of 3 Big Ten teams to take on Syracuse this year. The Gophers will be sporting a new offense, while the Orange will be sporting a former Duke point guard at quarterback. I'm sure people will watch this game just to see Greg Paulus, but I think it's more likely that the Gopher's QB will be the one putting on a show
Prediction: Minnesota wins by a couple scores
Michigan vs. Western Michigan - 2:30 PM: ABC
I don't think it's possible for Michigan to be worse than they were last year, so this is a chance to see how much they improved. Western Michigan is a decent MAC opponent, so it should be a good match up.
Prediction: Michigan pulls away late for the win
Illinois vs. Missouri - 2:40 PM: ESPN
This game is probably the most respectable match up of the day for the Big Ten. That said, Missouri will be down this year after loosing a lot of talent on offense and on the complete other end of the spectrum, Illinois returns a hoard of offensive skill players and should be able to put up points on the Tiger's defense.
Prediction: Illinois wins in a high scoring affair
Wisconsin vs. Northern Illinois - 6:00 PM: BTN
Last but not least...Wisconsin is kind of a middle of the road Big Ten team and Northern Illinois is kind of a middle of the road MAC team. One is obviously better than the other. Wisconsin does need to settle on a quarterback and watch out for the Husker's talented QB (1528 pass yards and 539 rushing).
Prediction: Wisconsin takes care of business at home
*Note: all times are listed in CST and the games on are Saturday, unless otherwise noted.
UNI: The Offense
I have spent the beginning of the week reading up on UNI. Like any other team in the county, it is all speculation at this point, but looking at their returning players and their play from last year I think it's safe to make some predictions about the team. Today, I'll start off with the offense.
The Panthers will be an extremely veteran team on offense. There are 9 starters returning from a team that averaged almost 30 points and 366 yards per game. There are also 7 seniors in the starting line up. Iowa, by comparison, has 5 seniors listed as a starters on offense on the depth chart.
Rushing Attack:
The Panthers, who last year ran the ball 67.5% of the time in their spread option scheme, have some big question marks at running back (even bigger than Iowa if you can believe that) going into this weekend. Last year, the team relied heavily on Corey Lewis, who is UNI's all-time leading rusher with over 4,000 yards in his career. He ran for 1,314 yards last season and scored 11 touchdowns on the ground and 2 receiving in 2008, but has since graduated.
Derrick Law, who gained 786 yards and scored 9 touchdowns last year in a backup role, looked like the heir apparent, but he will be sitting on the sideline on Saturday (or maybe at home in Cedar Falls) after being suspended for breaking team rules. Fellow running back Taylor Brookins, who likely would be second or third string, is also suspended indefinitely.
That leaves redshirt freshman Carlos Anderson as the starter with a fullback and another redshirt freshman as his backups. Anderson is only 5'8", 175 lbs., but is reportedly fast and surprisingly strong. But with his small frame he's going to have a tough time carrying the load against Iowa's defense.
Despite the lack of depth and experience at running back, UNI still has 2 reasons to at least hope for a semi-decent rushing attack against Iowa: 1. Pat Grace and 2. the offensive line.
Pat Grace ran the 134 times last year for 618 yards and 11 touchdown. His 4.6 average yards is respectable for a quarter back and though he's not particularly quick, Grace is capable of gaining yards on designed runs/option keepers and scrambling when the pocket breaks down.
The Panthers also have an experience offensive line with 5 seniors, 4 of whom are returning starters. Center Austin Steichen is particularly good and is listed as part of the FCS Preseason All-American First Team.
Passing Attack:
UNI should have more weapons in the passing game than the run game. Leading the aerial assault will be Grace. In 2008 he threw for 2,041 yards and 14 touchdowns, good for a QB rating of 145.7. It is vital that Grace, who has been slightly injury prone missing 3 games last year, stay healthy if UNI has any chance to stay in the game. Backup quarterback, Zach Davis, will be serving a suspension on Saturday, and there is very little depth behind Grace and Davis.
Three wide receivers that have some starting experience return this year, including Josh Collins who led the Panthers in both receptions and receiving yards. Collins will also be an important part in the return game and could even run the ball occasionally.
The other starting receivers will be D.J. Hood and Maurice Turner/Jarred Herring. All three had very similar stats last year averaging about 1 catch per game. Any of these guys though have the potential to break a big play and should be a good test for Iowa's secondary.
Overall Outlook:
Despite the incredible amount of experienced players on offense for UNI, they will not be able to compete with Iowa's defense. The running back situation will undoubtedly hurt the small chance UNI had at establishing a solid run game, thus making the team 1-dimensional. This will allow the Hawkeye defense to play the pass, and I think with the reconfigured defensive line, Iowa will be able to get a lot of pressure on Grace ultimately forcing errors. I would be shocked to see more than 10 points scored by UNI unless it comes late against second and third stringers.
The Panthers will be an extremely veteran team on offense. There are 9 starters returning from a team that averaged almost 30 points and 366 yards per game. There are also 7 seniors in the starting line up. Iowa, by comparison, has 5 seniors listed as a starters on offense on the depth chart.
Rushing Attack:
The Panthers, who last year ran the ball 67.5% of the time in their spread option scheme, have some big question marks at running back (even bigger than Iowa if you can believe that) going into this weekend. Last year, the team relied heavily on Corey Lewis, who is UNI's all-time leading rusher with over 4,000 yards in his career. He ran for 1,314 yards last season and scored 11 touchdowns on the ground and 2 receiving in 2008, but has since graduated.
Derrick Law, who gained 786 yards and scored 9 touchdowns last year in a backup role, looked like the heir apparent, but he will be sitting on the sideline on Saturday (or maybe at home in Cedar Falls) after being suspended for breaking team rules. Fellow running back Taylor Brookins, who likely would be second or third string, is also suspended indefinitely.
That leaves redshirt freshman Carlos Anderson as the starter with a fullback and another redshirt freshman as his backups. Anderson is only 5'8", 175 lbs., but is reportedly fast and surprisingly strong. But with his small frame he's going to have a tough time carrying the load against Iowa's defense.
Despite the lack of depth and experience at running back, UNI still has 2 reasons to at least hope for a semi-decent rushing attack against Iowa: 1. Pat Grace and 2. the offensive line.
Pat Grace ran the 134 times last year for 618 yards and 11 touchdown. His 4.6 average yards is respectable for a quarter back and though he's not particularly quick, Grace is capable of gaining yards on designed runs/option keepers and scrambling when the pocket breaks down.
The Panthers also have an experience offensive line with 5 seniors, 4 of whom are returning starters. Center Austin Steichen is particularly good and is listed as part of the FCS Preseason All-American First Team.
Passing Attack:
UNI should have more weapons in the passing game than the run game. Leading the aerial assault will be Grace. In 2008 he threw for 2,041 yards and 14 touchdowns, good for a QB rating of 145.7. It is vital that Grace, who has been slightly injury prone missing 3 games last year, stay healthy if UNI has any chance to stay in the game. Backup quarterback, Zach Davis, will be serving a suspension on Saturday, and there is very little depth behind Grace and Davis.
Three wide receivers that have some starting experience return this year, including Josh Collins who led the Panthers in both receptions and receiving yards. Collins will also be an important part in the return game and could even run the ball occasionally.
The other starting receivers will be D.J. Hood and Maurice Turner/Jarred Herring. All three had very similar stats last year averaging about 1 catch per game. Any of these guys though have the potential to break a big play and should be a good test for Iowa's secondary.
Overall Outlook:
Despite the incredible amount of experienced players on offense for UNI, they will not be able to compete with Iowa's defense. The running back situation will undoubtedly hurt the small chance UNI had at establishing a solid run game, thus making the team 1-dimensional. This will allow the Hawkeye defense to play the pass, and I think with the reconfigured defensive line, Iowa will be able to get a lot of pressure on Grace ultimately forcing errors. I would be shocked to see more than 10 points scored by UNI unless it comes late against second and third stringers.